Guide
The Kunohe Family Residence is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property located in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. Believed to have been built during the late Edo period as a residence for the Kuroishi Domain's samurai, this structure serves as a vital historical record of the lifestyle and architectural techniques of that era. It possesses the dignity and elegance expected of a high-ranking samurai's home, making it a premier site for observing traditional Japanese architectural styles.
The history of this residence is deeply intertwined with the Kuroishi Domain. It is said to have been constructed around the time of Bunka 6 (1809), during the era of Tsugaru Chikasada, the 8th head of the Kuroishi Tsugaru family. Furthermore, it is known as the birthplace of Tsugaru Shoge, the 14th head of the same family, making it a site of significant regional importance. The very structure of the building reflects the social hierarchy and the refined living culture of the samurai class.
The architectural mastery of the period is visible in every detail. The building features a layout of 6 ken (length) by 5 ken (width), with a distinctive entrance positioned at the east-west corners. The interior includes a 6-tatami room connected to the entrance and a 12-tatami reception room located in the southwest corner. These spaces functioned as the primary areas for receiving guests and daily living for the samurai. The preservation of traditional floor structures (tokogamae) also makes it an important site for studying architectural history.
As a significant historical structure, the beauty of its architecture can be enjoyed in any season. However, please note that public viewing availability may change depending on the time of year, so checking in advance is recommended. Visiting during a quiet time of day amidst the natural beauty of Kuroishi allows you to truly immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of an Edo-period samurai lifestyle.
Visitors can learn about the spatial-awareness of the samurai through the lens of architectural structure. You can experience the layout of traditional Japanese-style rooms and how space was efficiently utilized to maintain the prestige of a high-ranking residence. For those interested in traditional Japanese housing, this is a rare opportunity to study the authentic forms of the period.
Around the Kunohe Family Residence in Kuroishi City, you will find various other historical buildings and facilities that convey the local culture. Kuroishi is dotted with historical streetscapes and cultural heritage sites; exploring these in combination with the residence will provide a much deeper understanding of Aomori's rich history.
To protect this historical treasure, visitors are asked to be mindful of their surroundings. As you will likely need to remove your shoes to enter certain areas, please bring clean socks or be prepared to walk in them. Additionally, to prevent damage to the cultural properties, please do not touch the building or any of the displayed items.